Injury Analysis: Patriots vs Steelers

Patriots Insider Staff

09/25/2005

The injury report for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots
from Friday includes a number of key starters on both teams. A look at the players
on the list, who is expected to play, and what will happen to replace those who
are out. The Patriots secondary is the main concern for New England and Pittsburgh
has injuries on both sides of the ball.

Injury Analysis: Patriots vs
SteelersBy Patriots Insider Staff

The New England Patriots matchup
Vs the Pittsburgh Steelers is going to be a tough, physical game. Some of the
players who missed the championship game that weren't on either team may not realize
how banged up players can get after a matchup like this. Here is the injury list
as of Friday's close, notes and updates at end.

Four of the Patriots
on the list didn't fly to Pittsburgh and will not be playing today:Andre Davis, James Sanders, Tyrone Poole and Randall Gay.

LEGENDOUT: Definitely
will not play. DOUBTFUL: At least 75 percent chance will not play.
QUESTIONABLE: A 50-50 chance will not play. PROBABLE:
Virtual certainty that player will be available for normal duty.

Patriots Notes:

DE Jarvis Green was banged up headed into
last week, and appears on this week's list as well. Green we're told will play,
he's just one of those "bumps and bruises" players Belichick refers
to.

CBs Tyrone Poole and Randall Gay - Out... ankle injuries will keep them
home this week. As of this mornign they are officially out having not made the
trip with the team. Look for Starks, Scott and Hobbs to replace them.

CB
Duane Starks has been hobbled by a thigh injury he says he's had for a while.
Starks saw time last week although he didn't start. This week will be different
as both primary CBs are down (Gay and Poole). Starks was the 3rd corner so he
gets the nod. His familiarity with the Pittsburgh offense form his days as a Raven
is one of the big contributions the Patriots are counting on.

CB Chad Scott,
still a bit sore with a shoulder injury, said in the locker room that he expects
to be ready to go today. His injury notwithstanding, Scott wouldn't miss a chance
to play against the team that cut him thinking he was overpaid and overrated.
He should be in on nickel and dime packages.

WR Andre Davis continues to
be unavailable due to a leg injury. The knock on Davis in Cleveland was his ability
to stay healthy. For the third week in a row, that remains the main concern with
the speedy playmaker. Davis didn't make the trip so he's out. Look for Bethel
Johnson to get a chance to play if the DB situation works out. It's now more about
other positions.

WR Bethel Johnson may get his first action this week. The
Patriots need someone to stretch the field who won't get jammed at the line. Tim Dwight was the speedy returner and deep threat the first two weeks. If the numbers
permit from other areas, look for Johnson to get in the game. However, we expect
him to be a game day inactive.

LB Tully Banta-Cain made the trip. The question
now becomes is he really healthy enough to go out there and contribute. The Patriots
special teams have been abysmal the last two weeks, and Banta-Cain is on those
units. If possible, Banta-Cain will be a go at gametime.

Steelers Notes:

RB
Duce Staley may find his way back onto the field today. Staley who has been out
with a knee injury has been working hard to return to the lineup. He missed the
teams first two games and is dying for a chance to play against the Patriots.
Even if Staley can't go, Willie Parker has no trouble picking up the slack.

RB
Jerome Bettis will not play today.

WR Sean Morey the Steelers special teams
ace has been hurt and is hopeful of a return. He missed practice time toward the
end of the week and expects to be a game time decision.

CB Deshea Townsend
who has been hampered by a foot injury will be counted on to slow down Patriots
Deion Branch. Branch has managed to get his catches the last couple weeks but
hasn't gained as much ground after the catch as hoped. The Steelers expect Townsend
to be able to continue that trend.

For
updated information on players and their injuries be sure to check the Hot
News section on The PatriotsInsider.com